“¹³ And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, has He (Jesus) quickened together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

¹⁴ Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to His Cross;

¹⁵ And having spoiled principalities and powers, He made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it.” Colossians 2:13-15

This victory over principalities and powers; the total and complete dominion over every demon and fallen angel in hell was gained for Believers and not for Jesus Himself.  Jesus as God has always had total dominion…He IS God.  Many Believers give the devil too much authority when they believe the fight is his.  Not only is the fight not ours but it’s not the devil’s either.

“¹¹ Put on the whole Armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. ¹² For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. ¹³ Wherefore take unto you the whole Armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” Ephesians 6:11-13

It is GOD’s Armor in which we stand.  This is not something we imagine and stand in front of the mirror to assemble…that’s silliness.  One cannot resist the devil unless we are submitted unto God (James 4:7), standing in HIS Armor not our will power.

Man’s problem is not economic, medical, environmental, geographical or scientific problems; it is a sin problem and sin cannot solve the problem of sin.  Darkness cannot penetrate darkness.

“¹³ You are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. ¹⁴ You are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.” Matthew 5:14-16

The redeeming work of Jesus Christ on Calvary’s Cross broke the power of sin in the Believer’s life.  Yet the devil, being the devil, has led many to believe this fight for dominon was for Jesus Himself to “gain” dominion. God forbid, NO!  This dominion over sin, which is man’s problem, is for US – Believers (Romans 6:14). This battle is not ours…nor is it satan’s; it is the Lord’s.  Knowing this, Who Jesus is and what He did on Calvary’s Cross for whosoever will believe, we willingly yield unto God as those who are alive from the dead and sin has no more dominion over us.

“¹³ Neither yield you your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. ¹⁴ For sin shall not have dominion over you: for you are not under the law, but under Grace.” Romans 6:13-14

Too many are fighting a battle that has already been won for us through the Power of God, the Cross of Christ (1 Cor. 1:18).  What we are calling spiritual is nothing more than self will, pride and determination.  Our weapons are indeed carnal but because we can’t see them (self will, pride, etc.) we think they are spiritual.  Seemingly all the devil has to do is “claim” authority over the Child of God and many will believe. Let me be clear, for the Child of God who is walking in the Will of God, the devil is nothing but an instrument used to keep us in His Will; satan is the “rod”,  if you will.  This does not mean bad things will cease to happen or circumstances will no longer be unpleasing, but we know in Whom we have believed and He is perfectly able to keep that which we have committed unto Him against that day…and we stand.  We stand in the Power of God being quickened together with Him, our Lord and our Savior…Jesus Christ.

“For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know Whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day.” 2 Timothy 1:12

-Donna Clark Warren

“²² For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: ²³ But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;” 1 Corinthians 1:22-23

Mankind is superstitious.  If Believers run around seeking signs, instead of Truth, those particular Believers are operating in superstition as well.  Many modern churches are steeped in white witchcraft and superstition.  Their prayers are nothing more than incantations designed to manipulate the righteous spirit world into performing the Believer’s will and not God’s Will.

Superstitions is “a belief or practice resulting from ignorance, or a false conception of causation.  It is an irrational attitude toward the supernatural.”

Jesus Christ and Him crucified is not a doctrine.  The Atonement is the Cornerstone of our very Salvation and Sanctification.  Jesus Christ is the Source and His Cross the means by which the sinner is cleansed from sin and the Believer is free from sin’s dominion.  The Atonement made possible anything and everything we receive from God, including but certainly not limited to Divine Healing, Gifts of the Spirit and branches that bear good fruit…fruit of the Spirit.

Jesus, God manifest in the flesh, came to die on Calvary’s Cross to redeem sinful man.  He is now sitting at the Right Hand of the Throne of God making intercession for whosoever will believe.  His atoning work IS the intercession that reconciles us and gives us access to the Throne of God.  Jesus is not turning to God every time we make a mistake and saying “Father forgive them.”  He is sitting and His Work is finished.  Jesus Christ has paid the penalty for our sin and broke the power of sin in the Believer’s life.

The majority of the church is “cross illiterate” when it comes to daily living for God and turns to superstition as a result.  Not understanding that the Holy Spirit works solely in the realm of the Cross of Christ (Romans 8:2), religious man has made the Cross of Christ of non effect as they seek miracles, signs, manifestations and have in fact departed from the faith.

“Now the Spirit speaks expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; ² Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;” 1 Timothy 4:1-2

Of what faith is the Holy Spirit speaking? Faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ. Departing from the faith in Jesus Christ and Him crucified is sin and gives the devil the legal right to do what the devil does; kill, steal and destroy (John 10:10).  Sadly, this is exactly what many in the modern church have done due to not understanding the Atonement for daily living; they have departed from the faith.

“¹⁰ For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

¹¹ But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

¹² Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto you are also called, and have professed a good profession before many witnesses.” 1 Timothy 6:10-12

To fight the fight of faith, we must have an understanding of the Cornerstone of our faith…Jesus Christ and Him crucified.  We do not have to be superstitious.  The Lord has given us the Holy Spirit to lead us into all Truth according to His Word.  They will never contradict and we don’t have to walk through life guessing.

Many have grown weary of seeking signs with not change in their own lives.  Frankly speaking my friend, you are superstitious.  These signs will not make you free.  You shall KNOW the Truth, and the Truth will make you free (John 8:32).  Seek Truth.

“⁷ Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: ⁸ For every one that asks receives; and he that seeks finds; and to him that knocks it shall be opened.” Matthew 7:7-8

-Donna Clark Warren

“³¹ Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on Him, If you continue in My Word, then are you My disciples indeed; ³² And you shall know the Truth, and the Truth shall make you free.” John 8:31-32

The Scripture does not say you shall see miracles and manifestations and they will make you free.  The TRUTH shall make us free.  Miracles themselves are not proof of Divine manifestations. As further explained in the article “Heed the Warning“, satan and his minions have power but it is not of God.  While God certainly performs miracles in the world today, these miracles will always support the Truth not the preacher. Again, it is the Truth that will set man free.

Jesus, while performing many miracles, was not accredited, as such, by the miracles He performed but through the actual performance (fulfillment) of a certain class of miracles which operated in support of the Truth of God’s Word.  For instance, the miracle of the virgin birth of Jesus was prophesied by Isaiah (Isaiah 7:14).  As is obvious for all who believe, this miracle was performed through Jesus in actual support of God’s Word.  These are the miracles I speak of that accredit Jesus Christ as Who He is, namely the Son of God.

“¹⁷ And these signs shall follow them that believe; In My Name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; ¹⁸ They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.” Mark 16:17-18

Notice the Scripture says the signs will follow them that believe, still untold millions follow after the signs believing these miracles and manifestations will set them free.  This is simply not so…it can’t be so.  It is the Truth that sets men free.  Jesus told the Pharisees who had seen signs galore yet continued seeking after a sign and not Him, that they were an evil and adulterous generation.

“But He answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seek after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas:” Matt. 12:39

Many travel miles and miles to seek miracles and manifestations that they believe will set them free.  In the 1990’s millions went to a particular church in Pensacola labeled by some as the “last day Revival”. Just to be sure, the endtime apostate church shows Jesus on the outside knocking…not the inside (Revelation 3:20).  Most of who attended this “revival” went to experience miracles and manifestations hoping their problems would be solved, whatever their problems may have been. These manifestations do not give the Believer victory…the Truth gives victory.

“¹⁸ The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the Gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, ¹⁹ To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” Luke 4:18-19

The Truth is Jesus Christ, WHO He is and WHAT He did on Calvary’s Cross for whosoever will believe.  Faith in this simple yet powerful Truth; understanding Jesus is the source and His Cross the means by which God gives to His Children, we give the Holy Spirit, Who functions specifically in this Truth, latitude to do a mighty work in our hearts and lives…and miracles will follow.

Because of man’s superstition, few delight in the Truth but rather the miracles.  Many do not know and understand the Word of God for themselves because they have sought miracles and not Truth.  That gold dust will not set the captives free…Jesus Christ came to die on Calvary’s Cross to break the power of sin in the Believer’s life.  That sin may not be a sin of the flesh that the world can recognize but could very well be dominion of evil over your finances, health, etc..

“But seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33

Seek ye first the Kingdom of God…seek Truth and be set free in Jesus Name.

“Jesus said unto him, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life: no man comes unto the Father, but by Me.” John 14:16

-Donna Clark Warren

Everyone has faith. Even atheist, whose confidence is in their philosophy, have faith.  Faith is a noun.  These atheists walk in these philosophies through their belief.  Belief, a verb, is the action part of faith.

“⁹ And the children of Israel did secretly those things that were not right against the Lord their God, and they built them high places in all their cities, from the tower of the watchmen to the fenced city.

¹⁰ And they set them up images and groves in every high hill, and under every green tree:

¹¹ And there they burnt incense in all the high places, as did the heathen whom the Lord carried away before them; and wrought wicked things to provoke the Lord to anger:

¹² For they served idols, whereof the Lord had said unto them, Ye shall not do this thing.

¹³ Yet the Lord testified against Israel, and against Judah, by all the prophets, and by all the seers, saying, Turn ye from your evil ways, and keep My Commandments and My Statutes, according to all the Law which I commanded your fathers, and which I sent to you by My Servants the Prophets.

¹⁴ Notwithstanding they would not hear, but hardened their necks, like to the neck of their fathers, that did not believe in the Lord their God.” 2 Kings 17:9-14

Because of Israel’s unbelief, they had no interest or concern in the Commandments and Statutes of God.  This unbelief resulted in the Lord casting the Israelites into the hand of the spoilers.

Unbelief will cause the Believer to neglect God’s Redemption Plan, Jesus Christ and Him crucified (The Atonement), and lead us to take steps which would NOT “establish” our faith but in fact destroy our faith by placing it in worldly philosophies.  Faith placed in the ways of the world, even if it is under a religious banner, will always and without fail lead to the destruction of faith.  The professing Believer easily believes when faith is in worldly philosophies.  Because of their belief in these  philosophies (the action part of faith), they place their faith in these philosophies and the result is the unbelieving Believer walking in the statutes of the world…their faith is active, it is just active in the wrong object.

Just as the atheists faith is active in their worldly philosophies, so too is the unbelieving Believer’s faith active in worldly philosophies.  This type of active faith God cannot honor any more than He can honor the atheist’s active faith in their vain philosophies.  Faith placed exclusively in the atoning work of Jesus Christ and BELIEVING the power of sin is broken, I speak here to Believers, is what allows us to walk in the Commandments and Statutes of God.  This active faith gives the Holy Spirit latitude to do that which He is commissioned to do…free us from the law of sin and death.  It is this active faith, the belief in the atoning work of Jesus Christ to give us dominion over sin, that ESTABLISHES us IN Christ Jesus (Romans 8:2). The same faith that establishes us in Christ Jesus is the same faith that frees us from the law of sin and death, namely active faith placed in The Atonement (Jesus Christ and Him crucified).

“But if the Spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, He that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by His Spirit that dwells in you.” Romans 8:11

When we believe what we place our faith in, we walk in the statutes of that where our faith is placed.  We cannot walk in the statutes of God when our faith is placed in worldly methods.  It takes the power of the Holy Spirit, the resurrecting power of God, to quicken and enable the Believer to walk in God’s Statutes…this can’t be done through will power.

“For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwells no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.” Romans 7:18

The will may be there to perform that which is good but the power is not if our faith is placed in worldly philosophies.  Again, when our faith is placed in worldly philosophies, we believe these methods and walk in those statutes.  In turn, we do not give the Holy Spirit latitude to enable us to walk in the Statutes of God because our faith is in the statutes of the world.

To be frank, unbelief in the atoning work of Jesus Christ is rampant in the church today and has caused God’s Children to walk in worldly statutes, not God’s Statutes. Through their belief in vain philosophies, humanistic psychology, methods of man, etc., etc., they have not believed God’s Word.  Many have warned them to turn from their wicked ways but they have hardened their necks.  The Word of God has effected as intended.  Truth will either harden as clay or melt as wax the heart of man.

“⁸ This people draw nigh unto Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips; but their heart is far from Me.⁹ But in vain they do worship Me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” Matthew 15:8-9

Prayerfully consider in what you have believed…not what you may profess to believe but what you believe; it is there that you will find your faith.

-Donna Clark Warren

“⁸ Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.

⁹ And He said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not.

¹⁰ Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed.” Isaiah 6:8-10

God will send His Prophets to “go and tell” His people of the wrong path they have taken but sadly, most will not hear.  Their ears will get heavy and their eyes shut.  They will “hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed but perceive not.”

It was effective preaching of which Isaiah was commissioned to “go and tell”, not vain babbling.  Effective preaching will bring about that which it is intended to do; stir them to repentance or rebellion.  It will awaken people from their apathy or make their eyes and ears heavier.

“¹⁷ For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the Gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the Cross of Christ should be made of none effect.

¹⁸ For the preaching of the Cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:17-18

Many Believers should consider how they personally receive the “preaching of the Cross” because it IS having its intended effect.  Sometimes the wisdom of words and the tickling of ears will quicken the flesh; while the preaching of the Cross of Christ may seem to dull the senses if the heart is being hardened by it’s effect.  The acceptance of the Cross of Christ for Salvation, perhaps receives little more than a nod from the Believer for daily living.  In truth, the wisdom of words have made the Cross of Christ of no effect and many are perishing.

Isaiah was commissioned to effect, through his preaching, exactly that which his preaching would bring about…hardness and unrepentant heart.  Isaiah’s preaching did not stir the people from their apathy but in fact pushed them further down the wrong path.

Prayerfully and honestly consider the effect the preaching of the Cross is having on your heart.

-Donna Clark Warren

“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 2 Hereby know you the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 3 And every spirit that confesses not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof you have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.” 1 John 4:1-3

In these last of the last days those who do not know the Word of God for themselves will be led astray. Untold thousands of religious circles today exercise power that is not the Power of God but the power of satan. Believer’s seeking signs and lying wonders (2 Thess. 2:9), who believe they are hearing the Holy Spirit are in fact chasing evil spirits.

“And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” 2 Corinthians 11:14-15

These signs and wonders will look like God but will in fact be Satan’s imitations. They will be so close that it will take the Holy Spirit to tell the difference and those who are not led by the Holy Spirit will be deceived. The laughing phenomenon, crowing like roosters, barking like dogs, displays of birthing pains, angel feathers, gold dust, gold teeth, various objects secreting oil, statues weeping are just some of the signs and wonders being displayed in the apostate church today. In some cases the people are merely acting like fools. While others will indeed have a power behind them but it is not of God. Let us not forget the magi of Egypt performed “miracles” as well when Moses and Aaron confronted Pharoah (Exodus 7:8-12).

“Now the Spirit speaks expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;” 1 Timothy 4:1-2

Beloved, believe not every spirit…try the spirits whether they are of God.

-Donna Clark Warren

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.” Galatians 5:22-23

Longsuffering and temperance (self restraint), as well as any of the other fruits of the Spirit are not manifested through self efforts….they are a FRUIT of the Spirit.  This is the work of the Holy Spirit in the Believer’s life.  As we look unto Jesus for victory in our daily living, the Holy Spirit is sanctioned to isolate our sin nature.  We are all born with a sin nature due to Adam’s fall.  At Salvation, we are rendered dead to sin through our baptism into the death of Jesus on Calvary’s Cross.

“³ Know you not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into His death?

⁴ Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”  Romans 6:3-4

With our sin nature now isolated by the power of the Holy Spirit through faith in Jesus and His atoning work (not faith in the Holy Spirit), we are now able to willingly submit unto God.  Before Salvation the sinner cannot willingly submit unto God.  They may know the statutes of God, just as King Cyrus.  The lost will sometimes do many good works but they are not born again and will spend eternity in hell.  However, for the Child of God, we are now able to partake in God’s Divine Nature.

“Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these you might be partakers of the Divine Nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”  2 Peter 1:4

As we are willingly submitted to God by faith in the atoning work of Jesus (Grace), we are crucified with Christ; baptized into His death, dead to our sin nature as it is isolated by the power of the Holy Spirit and we begin to bear fruit…fruit of the Spirit.  By willingly partaking in God’s Divine Nature, we become a new creature in Christ Jesus; not a rehabilitated creature.  Old things fall away and all things become new.

Sadly, many professing Believers do not believe the ministry of the Holy Spirit is powerful enough to produce such fruit in the Child of God.  Therefore, the religious will present various methods and philosophies (laws) to drive or force the Believer into obedience to the fruit…not the faith; faith in the work of Jesus Christ for dominion over sin.

Please understand, this is not the condoning of sin by those of us who believe in the power of the Holy Spirit to isolate our sin nature and produce fruit in the hearts and lives of the brethren.  It is in fact unbelief in those who feel the compulsion to isolate the sin nature themselves through vain philosophies which will always fail…and fail the must.  Our methods do not have the power to overcome sin and when we put our faith in those methods, the Holy Spirit is not commissioned to isolate our sin nature.

“⁴ Wherefore, my brethren, you also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that you should be married to another, even to Him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.

⁵ For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death.

⁶ But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.” Romans 7:4-6

No matter the law, if it is given to bring forth fruit unto God, it will always and without fail bring forth fruit unto death.  Being dead to the Law through the baptism into Jesus death (the born again experience), we no longer serve the law, the Mosaic Law or any law given to produce fruit onto God.

There IS power over sin for the Child of God.  It is not found in philosophies (motivation, humanistic psychology, etc.) which attempt to explain how to do the what to do’s, namely the fruit of the Spirit.  Power over sin is found in the how to do the NOT to do’s.  It is the “not to do’s” that is the problem in the world today, the fruit unto death which is sin.

“¹⁹ Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, ²⁰ Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, ²¹ Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the Kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:19-21

With Salvation comes dominion over sin (Romans 6:14). This dominion can be lost for those who turn to other methods given by well meaning Christians to overcome sin and they produce fruit unto death…spiritual death.  The Believer’s Salvation is in danger of being lost as their faith is utterly destroyed by the manifested works of the flesh. The devil’s bullseye is our faith in the Atonement.  If he can deceive us into other methods for victorious Christian living, our victory is never found which brings grave danger to the Believer’s faith in the power of the Atonement. Sadly, untold thousands, if not millions, fall away from the faith daily because their faith was hijacked by satan and redirected to vain philosophies.  Make no mistakes, the church is the devil’s playground and the religious his instruments.

This is WHY we preach Jesus Christ and Him crucified to both the lost and to the Believer. It is by HIS work that the Believer is freely given dominion over sin (Romans 6:14).  It is our faith in HIS work that gives the Holy Spirit latitude free us from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2) which isolates our sin nature and enables us to partake in God’s Divine Nature (2 Peter 1:4)…this is how we do the not to do’s (sin), by Grace through faith.

Jesus Christ and Him crucified, be determined to know nothing else.  Our Redeemer has the power to possess that which He has redeemed and produce the fruit of His Spirit.  This is the ministry of the Holy Spirit in the hearts and live of the Believer, not the job of the brethren.  Trust Him and Believe.

“²⁰ Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, ²¹ Unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21

-Donna Clark Warren

“For by Grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

The Believer is saved by Grace through faith, amen?  Amen!!  Jesus Christ paid the penalty of sin for whosoever will believe on Calvary’s Cross.  It was there that our Redemption was fully paid.  Knowing this, Who He is and what He did, there is no doubt as to our Lord’s Resurrection.  He is sitting at the Right Hand of the Throne of God making intercession for all of us “whosoevers”.   Jesus’ work IS the intercession.  The only way to God the Father is through Him.  He is the Source and His Cross the means by which the blessings of God are yes and amen according to HIS Will and HIS purpose.

Now, all of that being said, Jesus’ work on Calvary’s Cross is a two fold blessing; a “double cure”.

“For sin shall not have dominion over you: for you are not under the Law, but under Grace.”  Romans 6:14

Dominion over sin is not for unbelievers.  The fact of the matter is, sin has dominion over the lost…no matter how “good” they are or seem to be.  Sincerity, self effort or good works does not redeem anyone to God and neither will they give one dominion over sin.  Grace, Jesus Christ and Him crucified, is what affords the Believer dominion over sin…Grace through faith, the same faith that got us in to the Kingdom of God, sanctifies the Believer precept upon precept, line upon line into the image of Christ.  This is why we fight the good fight of faith – faith in Jesus Christ and Him crucified.

“For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.” Romans 8:2

The problem with many Believers today is they are not free from the law of sin and death because their faith is placed is their works.  Even the most Scriptural doctrines such as fasting, reading the Bible, praying, water baptism, etc. are not given for dominion over sin.  Yes, they are certainly ordinances of the church that every Believer should practice.  However, when our faith is placed in them for victory, the Holy Spirit is not commissioned to free us from the law of sin and death.  We are saved, yes and praise Jesus Christ for this glorious Salvation!

Sadly however, many Brothers and Sisters remain bound by sin because their faith is in their part to sanctify themselves; to just say no to sin and have faith in their declaration.  I know, I’ve been there!  I know what it’s like to truly love the Lord but to be bound by cigarettes.  I hated them and hated myself for smoking them but I couldn’t just say no. Then the day came that I cried out to the Lord and admitted to myself that I couldn’t do it..I just couldn’t but instead of just confessing my weakness I looked to Him, to Jesus Christ, the Author and the Finisher of our faith and He took the desire away.  I was delivered from nicotine and I give God all the glory.  So many don’t recognize the difference between forgiveness and deliverance.  I would repent daily but deliverance escaped me because my faith was in my self efforts.

There are many out there who truly love the Lord and all they hear from Christians is they are not saved because sin has dominion over them.  Whether others believe it or not, I was not born again the day the Lord delivered me from smoking.  I was born again, justified freely and completely, the day I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior.  And trust me when I tell you, my dear husband will quickly tell you, the Lord is not finished with me…and neither is He finished with you.  Corruption has not put on incorruption this side of glory.  We all fall short of the glory of God.

Please understand, I am speaking of those who love the Lord and hate their sin, NOT those who believe Grace is a license to sin…they need to get saved.  The power of sin was broken by Jesus Christ on Calvary’s Cross.  This is the double cure that so many have unknowingly rejected because religion offered many philosophies that appealed to their flesh and they remain bound by the law of sin and death.

“But seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33

Seek the Lord first and dominion of sin will follow.  There is a change in the Believer.  We are a new creature in Christ Jesus.  HE gives the increase…seek Him.

-Donna Clark Warren

“¹⁷ For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the Gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the Cross of Christ should be made of none effect. ¹⁸ For the preaching of the Cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:17-18

It is the business of the church to preach the Gospel, the Gospel of Jesus Christ and Him crucified, not a vain attempt to save society.  To toil and labor in the world in order to save society is futile and quite frankly a waste of one’s time and money.  Now that I have your attention, please allow me a moment to explain.

“³ But if our Gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: ⁴ In whom the god of this world (satan) has blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the Light of the glorious Gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” 2 Corinthians 4:3-4.

The god of this worldly system is satan and in our own efforts, we cannot overthrow the devil.  There is a teaching making the rounds (NAR, 7 Mountains, Government of 12) which states that Believers are going to usher in the Kingdom.  I’m not exactly sure what those who teach this error do with the entire Book of Revelations but nonetheless, they are probably one of the fastest growing cults under the banner of “Christianity” today.

Back to the subject at hand, if this world’s system belongs to the devil, it’s effectiveness must be according to the number of Saints and their consecration to the Lord…to Jesus Christ, Who He is and what He has done.  The Light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ pierces the darkness and the darkness comprehends it not.  Satan’s system is less effective among the Light of the Gospel, yet it will quickly devour the chaff of the sincere but fruitless works of God’s Children.

“¹⁶ But rise, and stand upon your feet: for I have appeared unto you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of these things which you have seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto you; ¹⁷ Delivering you from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send you, ¹⁸ To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in Me.” Acts 26:16-18

On the road to Damascus, the Apostle Paul was sent to minister unto the gentiles; to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light.  Until the heart is changed in the individual person by the preaching of the Cross of Christ anointed by the Holy Spirit which brings the conviction necessary to draw the lost, the devil’s worldly system will continue to dominate and the sincere efforts of those who truly love the Lord, will be fruitless.

“⁴ And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: ⁵ That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:4-5

Now, if what you just gleaned from this writing is we should not help others, then I have said it poorly.  It is the business of the church to preach, teach and declare to a lost and dying world the Gospel of Jesus Christ and Him crucified, not attempt to save society or the community by civic works.  In 1 Timothy 5 the church is exhorted to take care of their own…their own widows and their own brethren, not society.  As the Light of the Gospel is shed among the community, the work of the devil is less effective and those who were once bound by satan turn from darkness to light and become productive members of their community themselves as they begin to walk in the Will and the precepts of God.  Again, we are certainly supposed to take care of our own according to 1 Timothy 5.

As previously stated, if this world’s system belongs to the devil, which it does, it’s effectiveness must be according to the number of Saints and their consecration to the Lord Jesus Christ.  Satan’s effectiveness is not hindered by our sincerity but our sincerity is in fact hindered by his effectiveness as he distracts the Believer from doing what we are commissioned to do…spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the four corners of the world.

“For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.” 1 Corinthians 2:2

-Donna Clark Warren

“⁹ But as it is written, Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love Him.

¹⁰ But God has revealed them unto us by His Spirit: for the Spirit searches all things, yea, the deep things of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:9-10

The unregenerate man cannot come to the knowledge of God through worldly intellect.  Sadly, many professing Believers themselves do not believe.  Instead of faith in the miracles of God noted throughout the Scriptures, they will quickly attempt to explain in the natural that which is supernatural.  Spiritual knowledge comes by revelation of the Word of God by the Spirit of God.  The two will always and without fail confirm one another.  Furthermore, the two will always point to Jesus Christ, Who He is and what He has done on Calvary’s Cross.  From Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21, the Word of God points to the Atonement, Jesus Christ and His finished work.

“Howbeit when He, the Spirit of Truth, is come, He will guide you into all Truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will show you things to come.” John 16:13

The Holy Spirit will never speak of Himself but Who He represents (Jesus).  Whatsoever He shall hear, the Holy Spirit will proclaim (the work of Christ).  Many of my Pentecostal Brothers and Sisters (myself included) have often put our faith in the Baptism of the Holy Spirit with evidence of speaking in tongues and not Jesus Christ and His redeeming work.  By doing this we hinder the moving and the operation of the Spirit of God.  As already stated, the Holy Spirit will never speak of Himself but of Who He represents…Jesus Christ.

“For the Law of the Spirit of Life IN Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.” Romans 8:2 (emphasis added)

Only as we are IN Christ Jesus, by faith in His redeeming work, are we free from the law of sin and death.  Only IN Christ Jesus are we made partakers of God’s Divine Nature (2 Peter 1:4) and the Spirit of God reveals to us the deep things of God.  Remember, Jesus Christ is the Word.  He is ALIVE with His Holy Spirit dwelling in the Believer, Who will witness to His Word.  This isn’t hocus pocus…this is being alive unto God from the dead through the power of the Holy Spirit and until someone willingly chooses to believe upon the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour, they are and they will remain spiritually dead to God.

Just as many of my Pentecostal brethren have unknowingly placed their faith in the Baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues, others have completely neglected the ministry of the Holy Spirit and placed their faith in vain philosophies and self efforts to do that which only the Holy Spirit can do when our faith is placed solely and exclusively in Jesus Christ, Who He is and what He has done.  Unless our faith is placed in Jesus Christ and Him crucified, we are not free from the law of sin and death.  The Holy Spirit is not commissioned to reveal unto us the deep things of God; to witness to us that we are a Child of God (Romans 8:16) and make us partakers of God’s Divine Nature which gives us LIFE that flows from the Throne of God when our faith is placed in Him.  Again, the Holy Spirit does not speak of Himself but of Jesus Christ and His work.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ² The same was in the beginning with God. ³ All things were made by Him; and without Him was not any thing made that was made. ⁴ In Him was life; and the Life was the Light of men. ⁵ And the light shines in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.” John 1:1-5

Darkness, the unregenerate man, cannot comprehend the Light of the regenerated man, the Child of God.  Walk in the Light.  Be determined to know nothing else among you save Jesus Christ and Him crucified.

-Donna Clark Warren